June 15, 2000

The CAMEDIA C-2100 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera

World leading 10x optical zoom with an F2.8 to F3.5 aperture Image stabilization system

FRONT		BACK
C-2100 Ultra Zoom

* This news release is only for Japanese market.

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Masatoshi Kishimoto) is pleased to announce that the sales of the top quality digital camera CAMEDIA C-2100 Ultra Zoom will begin in early August. It features a bright 10x zoom lens with a range of F2.8 to F3.5, which has hardly been accomplished in sliver halide cameras for a broad consumer usage, and an image stabilization system. Its outstanding resolution and image quality start with its 1/2-inch CCD with 2.11-megapixels and a 38-380mm optical zoom plus a 2.7x seamless digital zoom function. With the L-shaped for comfortable holding, a color TFT viewfinder, a wide angle LCD monitor, a USB connector and a motion picture function, it is truly an all-in-one camera.

The CAMEDIA C-2100 Ultra Zoom has a 10x optical zoom lens, and sequential mode shooting is as fast as 1.8 frames/second (in HQ Mode). It also can take QuickTime Motion JPEG*1 compatible motion image with up to a maximum of 134 seconds*2. There are customers demanding telephoto pictures without missing the shutter chance but not willing to sacrifice the pictures. This camera fulfils these both wishes. With the inclusion of the Olympus unique image stabilization system, it can achieve steady, high picture quality even at 10x zoom. Combined with the digital zoom, an ultra-zoom can reach the length of equivalent to 1000mm in a 35mm format. For example, it is now easy to capture your child's splendid ball handling skills on the soccer ground or to get his/her closed up victory poses. The ultra-zoom function in a small, lightweight body for a reasonable price makes full use of the great advantages of the digital camera. Extending the high quality and easy operation which have been inherited from 35mm cameras, Olympus will continue its development of handy ways to use digital cameras in the future. The CAMEDIA C-2100 Ultra Zoom has a wide range of functions that provide enhanced digital camera enjoyment: 0.55 inch TFT color liquid crystal (LCD) viewfinder that offers all kinds of information, a Scene-Program AE Mode that selects the accurate exposure for portraits and night scenes, a manual exposure mode and manual focus settings. It also has an Auto Bracketing Exposure that automatically shoots sequent shots at different exposure settings, Sepia and Black, White and Blackboard/Whiteboard Mode. With a wide angle TFT color monitor and Auto Rotation function for playing back horizontally shot pictures, it brings a whole new category to the 2-megapixel class of digital cameras.

*1 QuickTime Motion JPEG is a registered trademark of Apple Macintosh of the United States. *2 Used with SmartMediaTM Card 16MB or more.

Main Features

Ultra-high quality and easy operation

1/2 inch CCD with 2.11 megapixels   The 1/2-inch CCD with 2.11 megapixels delivers detailed, high-quality shots. With its large number of pixels, it brings a new level of resolution to a personal digital camera. 10x Optical Zoom Lens with Image Stabilization   This is the world first digital still camera with a 1/2-inch CCD carrying a unique built-in Image Stabilization System. It can take steady, high quality pictures with reduced camera shake even at 10x zoom. The shift type optical image stabilizing mechanism adopts a new structure that adjusts the optical correction for the lens group with high accuracy and a new optical design for high resolution. Unlike the electronic image stabilization system used in many video cameras, the shift method carries out optical correction during exposure and results better quality of still images without image deterioration or alterations in the angle of view. As a result, the image development systems that communicate with the mechanism bring out the superior output of the shot images. 0.55-inch TFT Color LCD Viewfinder   Instead of the conventional optical real-image viewfinder, the C-2100 Ultra Zoom employs a 0.55-inch TFT color LCD viewfinder. Thanks to this LCD viewfinder you can enjoy clear view without any parallax in the whole range of 10x optical zoom and even for the digitally zoomed up super telephoto. All kinds of setting information are displayed in the viewfinder and users can concentrate on looking into the finder without missing shutter chance. L-shaped Body Design with Superior Grip   Since the first launch of digital camera in 1996, it has consistently created digital cameras that have a conventional "camera-like" feel. The C-2100 Ultra Zoom with the 10x optical zoom lens was designed an L-shaped body with a superior grip, which reduces camera shake. Together with the optical image stabilization function, it makes it easy to take high quality pictures even at ultra-zoom range. Easy Use Buttons and Mode Dials   The settings for frequently used functions, such as the flash modes, metering system and macro mode, can be changed instantly with independent setting buttons. It also contains a special switch for the power, to make basic operations easy and avoid mis-operations in the precious shutter chance. The independent buttons for commonly used functions such as DRIVE (One Shot/Sequential Shot/AF Sequential Shot/Self Timer & Remote Control/Auto Bracketing), INFO, macro mode, light metering modes and AE Lock have been equipped to make more useful to operate. The mode dials (Program AE Mode, Shutter Speed Priority Mode, AE Mode and Aperture Priority Mode) are in independent positions and a scene-program position has been added. Easy-to-Read Menu Display   The menu displayed and the clarity of the cursor help to simplify handling and prevent mistakes. Sequential Mode and Rapid-Response Quick Shooting   The sequence mode can take 5 or more continuous shots at about 1.5 frames/sec. in SHQ mode, 16 or more shots at about 1.8 frames/sec. in HQ mode and 86 or more shots at approximately 2 frames/sec. in SQ mode. It allows rapid shots with no lost shutter chances. In addition, the camera features an auto bracketing exposure function that automatically changes the exposure setting and can take multiple sequential shots with different exposures. It helps users to take one shot with the accurate exposure even under conditions where the normal auto exposure is difficult to judge. The quick shooting function has been improved as well. After the shutter is triggered, the camera is ready for the next shot in only 1-2 sec. in the normal shooting mode. Auto Display Rotating Function   It is now possible to rotate images from 90 to 270 degrees during playback. This means that images taken in a vertical position can be rotated during playback on a TV or LCD monitor and lined up with the camera direction. It is also convenient when viewing images simultaneously with other images taken in a horizontal direction, such as at a slide show. Sound Recording Function   Sound recording is possible with the built-in microphone. Simultaneous sound recording is used for motion images and recording about 4 seconds after shooting is for still images. It is also possible to record post-shot memos and re-record for still images. When taking motion images, it has a sound recording off mode to shoot according to the scene. There is also an external microphone jack, and Olympus is planning to launch a small tiepin microphone as option.

Variety of shooting functions that realize the photographer's will in the picture

iESP* Autofocus plus Spot AF   In addition to the conventional center-weighted contrast detection system, the use of an iESP autofocus that further divides the central section into detailed areas, detecting and determining contrast variations to eliminate background effects and centering errors, giving the correct focus for the main subject. With Spot AF you can focus on the object in a framing as you wish.   * iESP: Intelligent Electro Selective Pattern Five Exposure Modes   [P: Program Auto Mode] When the shutter button is pressed, the Program Mode automatically sets the optimal aperture and shutter speed. This automation ensures that even beginners do not miss a shutter chance. [A: Aperture-Priority AE Mode] With precise 1/3EV step adjustment, any aperture from F2.8 to F8 can be selected at a wide-angle focal length or from F3.5 to F8.0 at a telephoto setting. To ensure the exposure setting is appropriate, the shutter speed is adjusted automatically as the aperture changes. [S: Shutter-Priority AE Mode] In this mode, any shutter speed from 1/2 to 1/800 sec. can be selected with the precision of 1/3EV steps. It is especially useful for creating unique shots of a moving subject-for example, a flowing stream or other water in motion. [M: Manual Mode] The photographer can choose any combination of shutter speed and aperture settings. The shutter speed can be set up to 16 seconds. [S-Prg: Scene-Program AE Mode] The scene-program mode has the accurate exposure for portraits, sports, memory shots and night scenes pre-programmed. It is simple to take beautiful pictures for each scene. Three Metering Modes for the Right Exposure   Three metering modes are as follows: 1) Center-weighted average metering senses on the center of the screen with an average calculation for the periphery. 2) Digital iESP metering, Olympus original, which can take natural shots even with backlight or when there is a large disparity in light level between the subject and the background. 3) Spot metering calculates the correct exposure in specific section of the subject. With center-weighted average metering and spot metering, multi-metering can be selected. User can select metering points up to 8 points on the wished subject within the frame, the correct exposure can be determined automatically from metering information from these selected metering spots. Olympus has applied the technology developed in 35mm cameras to digital cameras. Versatile Flash Modes   Along with the four flash modes-Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Off and Fill-in-the C-2100 Ultra Zoom has Slow Synchronization (first- and second-curtain synchronization effect) which is ideal for shooting in low light, photographing a subject against nighttime scenery, capturing the flowing traces of moving lights or recording an after-image. iESP Auto White Balance   The camera uses the unique iESP Auto White Balance. It senses the appropriate color and lighting source of the subject by calculating the average for the entire frame and a center-weighted reading. This function helps to capture natural colors like skin tones even under various lighting conditions. Manual White Balance   In addition to iESP Auto White Balance, four color temperatures-sunlight, overcast skies, tungsten light or fluorescent light-can be selected for an optimal color balance when Auto White Balance may encounter difficulties. Sharpness Adjustment   The sharpness function has Normal and Soft settings. They make it easy to ensure a shot is suited to a particular use, whether it is printed output or additional image processing.

Functions possible only with digital

2.7x Digital Zoom   When the digital zoom mode is turned on, it is possible to take up to 27x zoom shots with automatic switchover to a maximum 2.7x digital zoom with the standard 10x optical zoom. 27x zoom shots are possible for motion image shooting as well as taking still images. File Name Setting   With a number automatically assigned to all image files and folders, it is easy to keep track of shots, even when the storage card is changed. This feature also ensures that file and folder names are not duplicated when images are stored. It is especially useful when files are transferred to a PC. Multi-function Shots (Sepia/Monochrome Modes/White and Black Board Modes)   In addition to the normal mode, there is a sepia color mode and monochrome mode. With the white and black board modes, the camera automatically sets the best color process for text and can take clear shots of detailed text. Processing Capabilities   SmartMedia(tm) function cards from Olympus offer image processing functions as well as storage capabilities. With the included 8 MB card, a PC running Olympus' optional CAMEDIA Master 2.0 software can compose a number of Panorama Stitching Mode shots into a single panorama image. The optional Calendar Card makes it easy to create an original calendar, while the optional Template Card holds illustrations and hand lettering that can be combined with digital images. With the optional Title Layer Card, handwritten notes or drawings can be superimposed on an image to create original greeting cards.

Thoroughgoing compatibility

Images can be recorded in the JPEG format as well as uncompressed TIFF. The JPEG format follows the DCF (Design rules for Camera File systems) specifications established by the Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA). For simplified printing, recording is also possible in the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF). This compatibility ensures that the files will work easily with DPOF-compatible products. Compatibility with equipment produced by other manufacturers has been improved, making it extremely convenient.

Output terminals and bundled products to increase enjoyment

External Flash Connector   There is a connector for the Olympus digital camera external flash FL-40. If the FL-40 is attached using the optional flash bracket FL-BK01 and bracket cable FL-CB01, a variety of flash modes that expand the scope of shots become available. Built-in USB Connector   In addition to a serial port, a special USB connector has been included. The speed for transferring large volumes of data to a PC is significantly increased, making it very convenient. AV Output   It can be connected to a TV monitor using the included AV cable for enjoying recorded pictures and sound on the television. Lithium Battery Pack LB-01 (CR-V3) (Bundled)   Two lithium battery packs LB-01 (CR-V3) which lasts longer than alkaline batteries are included. It can be used 1.5 to 2 times longer than Ni-MH batteries. Users can take pictures without worry about power source. RM-1 Remote Control (Bundled)   The RM-1 remote control can trigger the shutter from a distance. During playback on a TV monitor, it can also be used to adjust image framing and size-a capability that is especially handy during business presentations.

More choices of option

Conversion Lens Adapter   A step up ring SUR4955 is available to use with the CAMEDIA conversion lenses, WCON-08 wide angle and MCON-40 macro. Easy Data Transfer and Imaging Processing   Eliminating the need for a cable, a range of optional accessories make data transfer to a PC easily. They include the USB-compatible MAUSB-2 SmartMedia(tm) card reader/writer, the MAFP-2 floppy disk adapter and the MA-2 PC card adapter. In addition, an optional PC connection kit C-8KU (for USB connection) for CAMEDIA Master 2.0 and a connection cable, highly rated for its easy to see screen construction when handling pictures on a PC, are also available. Olympus also plans to launch a small tiepin microphone separately to achieve high quality sound recording.

Specifications